Hardshell musical instrument case with backpack attachment system

ABSTRACT

A backpack attachment system for a hardshell musical instrument carrying case includes rings that are permanently attached to the exterior of the case, thereby allowing quick access for using a backpack type strap or straps for carrying the case. The strap set itself is optionally removable, but the attachment rings are not, being permanently mounted to the case, using, for example, rivets, screws, snaps or equivalent means.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of copending parent patent application Ser. No. 09/776,070, filed Feb. 2, 2001, entitled “BACKPACK ATTACHMENT SYSTEM FOR HARDSHELL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CASE”. The aforementioned application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates generally to musical instrument carrying cases, and in particular, to a hardshell musical instrument carrying case that includes a permanently mounted backpack strap attachment system.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Amateur and professional musicians regularly transport their musical instruments through a wide variety of conditions and obstacles. Such travel with instruments often includes various modes of transportation and distances. Musical instruments are usually delicate and often valuable, therefore requiring rigid, heavy cases to protect them, while in transport. While such cases protect the instrument, they often impede travel, particularly by foot, through crowds, or for any substantial distance. Such cases are also difficult to maneuver in confined spaces. Heavy, protective cases can cause strain and tire the carrier when clutched in the hand or hanging off a shoulder for long periods of time. This is particularly problematic, since most musicians delicately employ their hands and arms in order to play their instruments. Typically, prior art devices for transporting musical instruments more comfortably tend to compromise the protective traits of rigid cases in order to be lighter and easier to transport.

[0006] Various solutions have been attempted to solve this problem. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,785 (Irose) discloses a harness and shoulder strap assembly to securely enclose, support, and form a carrying device for musical instrument cases. The case-engaging harness and shoulder straps comprise a plurality of adjustable strap loops connected by various fastenings, adjusters, releasable buckles, joiners, and fixing methods. The harness and shoulder strap assembly can safely support and carry a wide variety of size, shape, and style instruments and instrument cases.

[0007] There are several problems with such prior art systems. For example, the straps are not permanently attached to the musical instrument case, thus, the harness and shoulder strap assembly must be assembled and attached before departing for travel and disassembled upon arrival, each time the system is used to transport an instrument. Further, the harness and shoulder strap assembly can be lost or misplaced, since it is not attached permanently to the musical instrument carrying case.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Briefly stated, a backpack attachment system includes a hardshell case for carrying a musical instrument, which has a shape of the musical instrument, attaching means permanently affixed to the case for removably attaching a strap set thereto, and a backpack-style strap set for carrying the case, removably attached to the attaching means. The case preferably includes one or more rings affixed to the carrying case, a strap set comprising one or more straps, and snap fasteners for attaching the straps to the rings, thereby providing quick access for using a backpack type system to carry the case. According to an embodiment of the invention, the strap set assembly is removable, but the attachment rings are permanently mounted to the case, using, for example, rivets, screws, epoxy or similar means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a musical instrument carrying case having rings affixed to the exterior of the case for attaching a strap set thereto, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0010]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a backpack-type strap set and snap hooks for attaching the strap set to rings affixed to a musical instrument carrying case, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0011]FIG. 3 shows a view of several examples of snap hooks for attaching a backpack type strap set to rings affixed to a musical instrument carrying case, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0012]FIG. 4 shows a different configuration of the rings in an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 5 shows the rings of FIG. 4 recessed into the case in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0014]FIG. 6 shows the boundary between the exterior and interior of a case with plates to reinforce the attachment point of the rings and gravity-stopped rings in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0015]FIG. 7A shows a top view of a bracket and an attachment bar for attaching a strap set to the musical instrument carrying case in an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 7A.

[0017]FIG. 8 shows a musical instrument carrying case with the attachments shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERED EMBODIMENT

[0018] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4 through 6, one or more brackets 1 are affixed to a hardshell musical instrument carrying case (e.g., wood, plastic, fiberglass, or metal), using, for example, rivets, screws, snaps, glue, cement, or other relatively permanent fastening means. Brackets 1 are compatible with and hold rings 2, consisting of, for example, D rings, O rings, triangular rings or rectangular rings. In one embodiment, the bracket 1 and ring 2 assemblies are preferably configured so that all three of the assemblies face the same direction, as shown in FIG. 1. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the bracket 1 at the top end of the carrying case is turned approximately 180 degrees, so the ring 2 opening in that bracket-ring assembly faces toward the bottom end of the case. In this embodiment, the rings 2 form a triangle shape, and face toward the inside of that triangle shape.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 6, rings 2 are optionally gravity-stopped such that the rings remain flat against the exterior 9 of the case, when the rings are in the closed position 2 b, and not in use. In this embodiment, the ring base is slightly wider than base cut-out on the bracket at the near-open position 2 a. In addition, rings 2 are optionally recessed 6 into the exterior of the case, such that they are flush with the surface of the exterior of the case, as shown in FIG. 5. Further, one or more plates 7 optionally are used to reinforce the case, such as, for example, by placing the plates 7 on the interior 8 of the case, thereby adding structural strength to the point of attachment of rings 2. Rings 2 may be constructed of any suitable material, such as, for example, metal, plastic, a composite or any other suitable material. Optionally, the bracket 1 and ring 2 is constructed as a one-piece assembly.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 8, the permanent fastening means includes a bracket 12, preferably made of plastic or metal, which fits inside a corresponding cut out in the carrying case 10. The bracket 12 is permanently attached to the carrying case 10, preferably by fasteners 11. The fasteners 11 include, but are not limited to, rivet or screw fasteners. An attachment bar 13 acts as the attachment site for a strap set 3 (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the bracket 12 and attachment bar 13 assemblies replace the bracket 1 and ring 2 assemblies shown in FIG. 2. Optionally, the bracket 12 and the attachment bar 13 is constructed as a one-piece assembly.

[0021] Typically, the carrying case of the present invention includes bumpers, studs, molded protrusions, or similar foot structures for resting the case on a hard flat surface, such as a floor or table, such that the case does not rest on the brackets, rings and shoulder straps of the present invention. The case of the invention also typically includes a suitable handle for carrying the case when the backpack carrying system is not being used, as well as hardware for closing and securing the case.

[0022] The carrying case is preferably manufactured using a thermoform molding process, an injection molding process, wood molding process, wood assembly process, or another construction process. In a preferred embodiment, the case is primarily constructed of plastic or wood.

[0023] The case is preferably constructed to hold a musical instrument in place. In a preferred embodiment, the hardshell case has a shape of the musical instrument which it is designed to carry. This shape may be a shape of the exterior of the case, as shown in the Figures for a guitar. Alternatively, construction of the interior of the case provides the formed shape of the musical instrument.

[0024] The case is especially useful for holding band or orchestra instruments greater or equal to the size of a flute. These instruments include, but are not limited to, woodwinds, brasswinds, stringed instruments, fretted instruments and percussion instruments. Specific examples include, but are not limited to, flutes (B and C foot, combination flute and piccolo, alto and bass flute) clarinets (Bb, 5 piece or 1 piece, Eb, metal, alto 1 piece or 5 piece, bass 1 piece or 5 piece), bassoons, saxophones (tenor, alto, soprano, baritone, bass), trumpets (Bb, C, Eb, piccolo, pocket), cornets (straight bell and shepherds crook), trombones (tenor, alto, valve, bass, rotary valve), French horns (single and double, stationary and detachable), flugelhorns, drum and bugle corps marching brass and marching percussion and other instruments used in marching, tubas, baritones (upright action, side action and bell front), sousaphones, cellos, basses, guitars (acoustic, solid body electric, semi-hollow electric, acoustic electric, acoustic and electric bass), mandolins, mandolas, banjos, steel guitars, lap steel guitars, ukuleles, violins, and violas, snare drum, xylophone and bells.

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 2, a strap set 3 is removably attached to rings 2, thereby providing a user means for carrying the musical instrument case as one would carry a backpack. Removable attachment of the strap set to the rings is accomplished using, for example, one or more snaphooks 4. The snaphooks preferably are of metal or plastic construction and can include a variety of designs. Typically, the snaphooks have a moveable lever type piece, or a sliding piece that allows the snaphook to be fastened to a ring. There is also typically a ring at the top of the snaphook, which allows the strap material to loop through and attach to the snaphook assembly. Snap hooks are optionally stationary or swivel, depending on the preferred design. Typically, the snaphooks are zinc die cast and include a swivel, however, they are optionally made from any suitable materials, including other metals, plastic, composites, etc. FIG. 3 shows several examples of suitable snaphook designs, however, essentially any suitable design is contemplated by the present invention.

[0026] The strap set is also optionally made from a multitude of suitable materials. Typically, polypropylene webbing material is used, which is preferably about 1 inch to about 1 ½ inches wide. However, other suitable materials, such as leather, plastic, etc., are optionally used. With the addition of a tri-ring, the strap set is optionally adjustable in length. The strap set can also comprise combination of materials, such as foam covered polyester padding, thereby providing extra softness and protection to a user, when carrying the case using the backpack feature.

[0027] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A backpack attachment system, comprising: a hardshell case for carrying a musical instrument, wherein the hardshell case has a shape of the musical instrument; attaching means permanently affixed to the case for removably attaching a strap set thereto; and a backpack-style strap set for carrying the case, removably attached to the attaching means.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the attaching means comprises one or more rings and one or more mounting brackets compatible with the one or more rings.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the means for attaching is selected from the group consisting of D rings, O rings, triangular rings and rectangular rings.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the rings are selected from the group consisting of metal rings, plastic rings, and equivalents thereof.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the rings are gravity-stopped, such that the rings remain flat against the exterior of the case, when the rings are not in use.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the strap set comprises one or more straps.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the strap set comprises one or more snaphooks for attaching the strap set to the attaching means.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for affixing the attaching means to the case.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the affixing means comprise fasteners selected from the group consisting of screws, rivets, snaps, glue and cement.
 10. The system of claim 9, further comprising one or more plates for reinforcing the interior of the case.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the attaching means include a mounting selected from the group consisting of a flat mounting and a recessed mounting.
 12. The system of claim 2, wherein the bracket and the ring are constructed as an integral one-piece assembly.
 13. The system of claim 2, wherein the bracket and the ring are constructed as a two-piece assembly.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein an outer shape of the hardshell case has the shape of the musical instrument.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein an interior shape of the hardshell case has the shape of the musical instrument.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the attaching means comprises one or more attachment bars and one or more mounting brackets compatible with the one or more attachment bars.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the bracket and the attachment bars are constructed as an integral one-piece assembly.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the musical instrument is selected from the group consisting of: a) a flute; b) a clarinet; c) an oboe; d) a bassoon; e) a saxophone; f) a trumpet; g) a cornet; h) a trombone; i) a French horn; j) a flugelhorn; k) a marching trumpet; l) a marching French Horn; m) a marching mellophone; n) a marching baritone; o) a marching euphonium; p) a marching trombone; q) a marching convertible tuba; r) a marching soprano bugle; s) a marching mellophone bugle; t) a marching baritone bugle; u) a marching euphonium bugle; v) a marching Contrabass bugle; w) a baritone; x) a euphonium; y) a tuba; z) a sousaphone; aa) a guitar; bb) a mandolin; cc) a mandola; dd) a banjo; ee) a steel guitar; ff) a lap steel guitar; gg) a ukulele; hh) a violin; ii) a viola; jj) a cello; kk) an upright bass; ll) a snare drum; mm) a marching drum; nn) a cymbal; oo) a xylophone; and pp) a marching bell. 